The wind gushed over me as soon as I got off the plane. Most of the passengers were complaining about Chennai's tropical climate and pollution. In contrast, I enjoyed seeing it again after a decade. I am Chaitanya, a 30-year-old back in my motherland. Picking up my luggage after a large black coffee, I got out of the international airport. Catching an auto; I went through the streets of Koyembedu and Virugambakam. The vehicle stood before an old building, like the one from the movie VTV. Getting my bags to the front door with the help of auto anna, I paid him and took the spare keys which I had with me.

Author's POV

Chaitanya was very much excited to reunite with his old friend. He sneaked in only to see a teen girl sleeping on the couch. He shook her a bit, to which she jolted up. "Who the hell are you? How did you come in?" she shrieked, terror overtaking her face. "I had my spare key. But, who are you!! And what are you doing at my best friend's house?" he asked.

"Best friend? Oh- you are talking about Zaina? If you're her best friend, didn't you know she moved in with her girlfriend?" she asked doubting the stranger. "I just came back and couldn't contact her for a few months. I'm sorry. Can I get her address, please? I can't call her as I want to surprise her. And yeah, Chaitanya Kannan here." Chaitanya introduced himself.

"Audrina. And yes, I will and sit here while I bring you a glass of water." She went inside the kitchen, making him sit on the couch. While observing the surrounding, a book caught his eye. After chugging down the water Audrina brought, he pointed at the book and started, "That book... Isn't it old?"

"Why? Shouldn't we read old books?" She narrowed her eyes, sitting on the couch opposite him.

"No, Nothing like that. It's just that I heard the book wasn't so nice and it's a flop, isn't it?" He asked with a knowing look.

"Excuse me, Mister! It's never a flop! It's just underrated." She said, leaning forward, her finger pointed at him.

"Oh really? Then can you please enlighten me about the book miss?" He asked leaning a bit in front.

"Ok then, Prepare yourself" She took a long breath, "Before everything, an introduction to the author: He is an anonymous person who has his penname as CK. His books are so well written. Coming to the book, this story is situated in Newyork. Both the male lead and female lead are of Indian origin. They both are big business icons and they gradually fall in love. But that one factor that makes it different from other books is that the characters are different. When I say they are different, I mean it! Because the characters in it are never perfect. just like every one of us. They have their own imperfections making them more admirable. And the other important element is, it shows that even a man can be vulnerable and it takes nothing for a woman to be strong. It says, what happens when they fall in love. It describes how they are emotionally available to each other. This book is a wholesome definition of how two people can concentrate on growing up mentally even though when they are in a relationship. It's... It's just everything I need." 

Audrina let out her breath after speaking her heart out about her most favorite book.

"You love the book this much?" He asked looking amusingly at Audrina.

"Because it helped me discover what I want to be. It made me realize that I too can be strong. It assured me that everyone deserves love. The female lead is everything I want to be. How strong is she!" She said while her eyes blurred tears crawling down her cheeks.

Seeing this, Chaitanya crouched down in front of her, and his eyes softened. "Hey! Why are you tearing up?"

"It's nothing. Sometimes I Just feel like I can never become her. And at those times I tear up a bit. Don't worry." She said wiping her tears off with a smile through which her desire to be strong peeped out.

"Listen to me! I can understand that you want to be strong like that female lead. But it doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to be strong. It takes a lot of difficult situations to become strong. You've already inculcated in you the thought of becoming strong. And, that's very great because it's those first small steps that matter. And who knows? Maybe Ayra, your female lead could be so vulnerable inside. And maybe, Siddharth could be stronger than her inside. I won't say taking inspiration from books is wrong. But don't try to imitate them as you are not them and they are not you." Chaitanya said getting up and walking toward the door along with his luggage. Stopping at the teak threshold, he came back to Audrina, got the book from her hand and scribbled something on its first page, and left. 

Confused Audrina opened the book to see his signature, 'With love and strength, Chaitanya Kannan (CK)... Wishing you the best ' She stood in her place not knowing how to react.

Here, Chaitanya was heading toward his best friend's house with a contented heart and a smile which showcased his pure happiness and joy. ' What else could make a great welcome gift other than a heartfelt review of your so-called flop book?' he thought to himself. 

Audrina's mind became somewhat clear after hearing the words of the person who brought her inspiration to life and Chaitanya felt every emotion at the same time knowing how his book had inspired a person. This review forever stays at the top among the hate comments of his book, How The Tables Turn...

Hey people!!!

How is this one shot? Please leave a review 🥺❤️

This is a short story I wrote for a contest which was last month. At that time, I couldn't wait to show this to you guys. But, as this month started, many things happened. Govt released my board exam timetable, revisions started, cycle tests, and a full book test in two weeks... JUST MANY!!! So I actually forgot abt this... I'm so sorry... Will meet you guys with yet another chapter of my book or a one-shot. Until then, Drink lots of water and take care. Love you all💖

With love,

~Nila💜🌙

1075 Words